Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal claimed on Sunday that she has been receiving rape and death threats following a character assassination campaign allegedly orchestrated by members of her own party. The threats, Maliwal stated, have intensified due to a ‘one-sided’ video posted by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.
Maliwal, the former chief of the Delhi Commission For Women (DCW), shared several screenshots of abusive messages and rape threats on her social media platform X. She accused AAP leaders and volunteers of initiating a smear campaign against her, which has resulted in an outpouring of threats and abuse.
“After the leaders and volunteers of my party, i.e., AAP orchestrated a campaign of character assassination, victim shaming, and fanning of emotions against me, I have been getting rape and death threats. This got further exacerbated when YouTuber @Dhruv_Rathee posted a one-sided video against me,” Maliwal wrote in her post.
Maliwal also accused the party leadership of attempting to intimidate her into withdrawing her complaint against Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. She alleged that the leadership’s actions are a means to silence her and prevent further scrutiny.
The conflict escalated when Dhruv Rathee, a popular YouTuber, released a video that Maliwal claims unfairly portrayed her. She expressed disappointment with Rathee, noting that despite her attempts to contact him and present her side of the story, he ignored her calls and messages. Maliwal accused Rathee of acting as a spokesperson for AAP while posing as an independent journalist, and of victim shaming her in his video.
Maliwal further criticized Rathee for omitting critical details from his video. She listed facts that she believes should have been included, such as AAP’s initial acknowledgment of the incident and her medicolegal case (MLC) report, which documents injuries sustained from the alleged assault.
The controversy centers around Maliwal’s allegations against Bibhav Kumar. She accused Kumar of physically torturing and manhandling her during a visit to Kejriwal’s official residence. Maliwal alleged that Kumar slapped her multiple times, kicked her in the chest, stomach, and pelvis area, and threatened to kill her.
The allegations have sparked a significant backlash, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the claims. Maliwal’s accusations highlight deepening fissures within AAP and raise serious concerns about the treatment of women within political organizations.
In response to the threats and the ongoing harassment, Maliwal has called for support and justice. She emphasized the need for accountability and protection for women who come forward with allegations of abuse and misconduct.
The situation remains tense as both AAP and Dhruv Rathee have yet to respond to Maliwal’s latest accusations. The unfolding drama has captivated the public’s attention and underscores the complex and often contentious dynamics within political parties.
As the story develops, many are watching to see how AAP addresses these serious allegations and whether justice will be served for Swati Maliwal. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women in politics and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals.
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